Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Yoder Family from Century, Florida, for being selected as the 2014 Escambia County, Florida, Farm Family and Agricultural Innovator of the Year. The Yoder family farm, a 100-acre farm located in northern Escambia County, Florida, is a family affair. Run by Brent, and his wife Janice, the Yoders' four children--Blake, Brian, Allison, and Bryce--also play an integral role in the Yoder family's success. Having grown up on farms themselves, both Brent and Janice understand the importance of agriculture and the vital role that a strong family plays in operating a successful farm. On their farm, the Yoder family runs a small grass-fed Grade A dairy farm with an on-site processing facility for pasteurization and a processing and bottling facility. The Yoder family started in 2009 with just one cow, Daisy, and the original intent was simply to produce the highest quality milk for their growing family; however, as soon as the Yoder family began to share their product with the local community, they saw that there was a great demand for their golden-yellow wholesome product. Today, the Yoder family has 15 Jersey cows, chosen due to their high butterfat content, and, by grass feeding and grazing their cows, the Yoder family products offer consumers a healthy balance Omega fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acids, and low levels of saturated fats. Brent delivers the Yoder family milk on a dairy route one day a week, and the Yoder family milk is also delivered to eight local storefronts. The Yoders are also very welcoming and happy to open their farm to the local community to demonstrate the importance of agriculture, and many of their customers drive to the northern part of Escambia County to see the farm and dairy and purchase milk directly from the Yoders. The Yoders also work closely with Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, and their farm served as a stop on the 2012 Escambia County Farm tour, where Brent led visitors on a tour of their farm, while Janice provided guests with home baked cookies and ice cold Yoder family milk. In addition to their dairy farming activities, the Yoders also have a local partnership with Janice's father, a local row crop producer who also raises hogs, to grow non-GMO grains that is then delivered to local farms to be used for their mixes. The Yoder family personify the innovation and ingenuity of our Nation's agricultural industry, through their first-rate dairy operation, and their innovate mixes. The Yoders are always looking to improve their operations, and currently, Brent is utilizing a peanut base to create a soy-free poultry mix. Outside of their farming operations, both Brent and Janice are also highly dedicated to their local community and their church. Brent works closely with the Lower Alabama 4-H Club, where he helps teach young people from Northwest Florida and Southern Alabama about the importance of agriculture. In addition, both Brent and Janice serve their local church in leadership capacities and raise their four children in a faith-filled environment. In addition, Brent also helps spread inspiring and family-oriented reading material through his service as Chairman of the Gulf States division of Choice Books. Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their families. The Escambia County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Yoders' tireless work and their dedication to family, faith and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Yoder family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Ward Family from Allentown, Florida, for being selected as the 2014 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. The Ward family farm was started in 1917 when James B. Ward settled in Allentown and set up a farm near Highway 89. Today, nearly 100 years later, the Ward family farming tradition continues with James E. ``Jimmy'' Ward, his wife Angela, and their three sons, Jamie, Justin and Dustin. Like many family farmers, Jimmy Ward has been farming for as long as he can remember, and he discovered his love of farming and learned the core values of hard work, integrity, and generosity from working on the farm with his father, Lamar, and his three uncles. Since taking over the farm, 24 years ago, Jimmy has carried on the proud Ward family farming tradition, and today, the Ward family incorporates the lessons learned from generations of farming to grow peanuts, cotton, corn, and wheat on their 900-acre farm. In addition to their work on the farm, the Ward family is also deeply involved in their local community and in various agricultural organizations. Jimmy currently serves as Chairman of the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation Farm Committee and is an active member of the Florida Farm Bureau, where he can help share his vast experience and knowledge with other Florida farmers. Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their families. The Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Ward's tireless work and their dedication to family, and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Ward family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department in Jay, Florida, and recognize the dedication and selfless service of its members in protecting the citizens of the Northwest Florida community. The Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department has been protecting the citizens of Northwest Florida since it was officially chartered in October 1974. The fire department started as a small operation, acquiring their first fire truck for $300, with Holley Phillips appointed as their first Fire Chief. Since its charter, the department has served as an unrivaled knowledge base of fire safety and a safeguard for the residents of Jay. In the 40 years that the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the community, it has grown considerably. Today, 12 honorable and distinguished volunteers selflessly serve their community as volunteer firefighters. This courageous group put their lives on the line daily to ensure the safety of their fellow Northwest Floridians by responding to thousands of calls within the community, over the years. With community support, the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department has added to their fleet three new trucks. A tanker, a pumper, and a rescue truck have been integrated into their arsenal to combat fires in Jay and keep its citizens out of harm's way. Current Fire Chief, Jim Cagle, has been leading the department for the past 24 years. What has remained true over the 40 years is the commitment to protect Northwest Florida and ensure its residents know they are safe under the watchful eye of the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Berrydale Volunteer Fire Department. My wife Vicki joins me in thanking all of the volunteers for their faithful service and wishing them and the department continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 125th anniversary of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. All across our Nation, local Chambers of Commerce play vital roles in supporting economic growth and development throughout their communities, and the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce exemplifies this proud tradition. The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce's impressive history dates back 125 years to its first meeting on September 16, 1889, where a small group of business leaders got together at the Pensacola Opera House to form the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. At their first meeting, they elected the Pensacola-area railroad magnate and future State Senator, William Dudley Chipley to serve as their first Chairman. The Chamber represented a wide variety of professions and local businesses, and it quickly proved its worth to the community, helping to grow the Port of Pensacola into the largest in Florida by 1900. Thanks to this prosperity and the tireless work of the Chamber, many new and important corporations were started in the Pensacola area. By the turn of the century, the Chamber had also established a strong military affairs component, linking the Pensacola-area business community to Northwest Florida's growing military installations. In fact, the Chamber's leadership helped lobby for new defense activities during the 1898 Spanish-American War. Over the years, the Chamber has served as a key component driving Pensacola's transition from a small Navy Yard to the Cradle of Naval Aviation. Meanwhile, during the early 20th century, the Chamber also brought together the business community and local city and county officials to help upgrade Pensacola's local infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population and economy. Thanks to the work of the Chamber, local leaders, and the broader Pensacola community, the entire Pensacola area grew from a small town with no paved roads and few utilities to a world-class city that is home to tens of thousands of residents, countless successful businesses, and millions of visitors each year. Over the years, the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce has grown with the surrounding Pensacola community. From its humble beginnings 125 years ago, as a small group of civic leaders with no full-time staff, the Chamber has grown immensely and today the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,200 members working on a daily basis to help bring world-class economic development projects to benefit Northwest Florida's businesses and citizens. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress I am proud to congratulate the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce on its incredibly successful 125-year history and look forward to another 125 years of success and prosperity.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Holley Family from Baker, Florida, for being selected as the 2014 Okaloosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. Like so many farmers in our Nation, farming is a family affair for the Holley's. Together, three generations of the Holley family--Hughdon and his wife of 47 years, Joan, along with their son Gary and his wife Susan, and their grandchildren, Michael and Bryan--work together on their nearly 200 acre farm on a wide variety of agricultural areas. On their family farm, the Holley's produce high quality vegetables and row crop com and wheat. In addition to successfully cultivating vegetables, corn, and wheat, the Holley's also work tirelessly to successfully maintain a wide array of additional farming activities, including beekeeping, timber production, and raising cattle. The Holley's are a hard-working family that exemplify the qualities and high-character that have been hallmarks of our Nation's agricultural heritage. During nearly a half-century of marriage, both Mr. and Mrs. Holley worked full-time jobs away from the farm, while also raising their two sons, Gary and Keith. As Mr. and Mrs. Holley have grown older, the row cropping and oversight of the majority of the farming operations have been left to Gary; however, Hughdon and Joan still enjoy farming on a smaller scale in their retirement years. Being a member of the Farm Bureau has allowed the Holley family to expand their vast knowledge of farming and has allowed for their great success, and the greater Northwest Florida community has been able to share in the fruits of their labor through local farmers markets where the Holley's sell their produce. Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their families. The Okaloosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Holley's tireless work and their dedication to family, and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Holley family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. Located in Escambia County, Florida, Barrineau Park is the oldest continuous 4-H club in the State of Florida. 4-H began in 1909 with ``corn clubs'' for young men. At these clubs, youth learned how to prepare and plant their fields with hybrid corn seed, with cash prizes awarded to those who produced the most corn. Two years later, in 1911, tomato clubs were established for young women to plant, harvest, and can tomatoes. In 1914, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club was founded with an initial membership of about 10 local youth. Holding meetings in homes, church fellowship halls, and the Barrineau Park School and Community Center, the group learned a wide variety of skills, including how to grow corn and tomatoes, raise poultry and livestock, garden, and sew. Since then, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club has helped teach hundreds of young people in Escambia County invaluable life and leadership skills. Today, there are 23 students participating in the Barrineau Park 4-H Club, taking part in events to develop leadership skills, learn the important values of citizenship, and practice public speaking. In addition, the group learns invaluable skills related to livestock and horses, shooting sports, food and nutrition, environmental education and marine science. In particular, the club has developed a strong reputation for raising and showing prize-winning hogs. In addition to these traditional programs, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club also gives its members experience in an array of technological areas vital to success in the future, including computers, robotics, and global-positioning satellite programs. As a former 4-H participant, I can attest to the incredible leadership and educational opportunities that 4-H provides to our Nation's youth. The Barrineau Park 4-H Club's incredible 100 year history is a testament not only to the Barrineau Park and Escambia County community, but also to the entire 4-H program and its mission to ``empower youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.'' Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. My wife Vicki and I congratulate everyone associated with the club and wish them another 100 years of success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Molly Martin who passed away late August 15, 2014. Molly was a passionate and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and matriarch of McGuire's Irish Pub, a staple in Northwest Florida frequented not only by locals but tourists from around the world. The Gulf Coast community and all of the lives she touched with her warm demeanor and radiant personality mourn her loss. Born in Stamping Ground, Kentucky, on October 31, 1936, Molly eventually made her way to Pensacola, Florida, where she joined in marriage the love of her life, William ``McGuire'' Martin in 1977. In the same year, she and McGuire opened McGuire's Irish Pub in Pensacola, where McGuire served as the cook, bartender, and designer. Molly was the hostess, waitress and entertainer. McGuire and Molly's success only grew, and they expanded their franchise to Destin, Florida. They founded Flounders (Pensacola Beach) in 1982; McGuire's Irish Pub (Destin) in 1996; Crabs (Pensacola Beach) in 2000; and Vinny McGuire's Pizza (Destin) in 2011. To some, Molly will be remembered for her passion for singing; to others, she was an accomplished business woman; and to many of the young servicemembers stationed throughout the Gulf Coast, she became a mother away from home. Those who knew Molly best, however, will remember her heart full of love and her devotion to family. Molly was a loving daughter to Ralph Lee Parker and Edith Clare Wright-Parker; sister to Lena, Edna, Jean, and Evelyn; mother to Charmaine McGowan, Nannette McGowan, John David McGowan, Joseph Parker McGowan, Suzannah Darling McGowan, William (Billy) Nathaniel Martin, James Edward Martin, and Amy Elizabeth Martin; grandmother to twenty-four; great-grandmother to eight; aunt; and a loving wife to McGuire. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Mrs. Molly Martin. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to McGuire, her children, grandchildren and her entire family and friends. Molly's impact on Northwest Florida will never be forgotten, and she will truly be missed.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness and gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen and decorated American hero. Army Sergeant First Class Samuel C. ``Sam'' Hairston of Houston, Texas, was killed on August 12, 2014, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when his unit was engaged while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom by enemy small-arms fire. Sergeant First Class Hairston was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Born to Bernett and Josephine Hairston June 22, 1979, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Sergeant First Class Hairston was raised in Shalimar, Florida, and graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1997. Sergeant First Class Hairston wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and brother by joining our Nation's Armed Forces. After pursuing a Division I football scholarship as defensive lineman at the University of Houston and earning a bachelor's degree in economics, he joined the U.S. Army in 2003 as an infantryman. Upon completion of the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in August of 2013. He selflessly served four combat tours throughout his career, which included two tours in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant First Class Hairston has been described as someone whose smile could light up a room, and to his wife Tawana and stepson Hayden, he was a loving and devoted husband and father. In terms of his military service, whenever he was thanked, he responded that serving our country was his choice and his service was so Americans can enjoy the freedoms that are all too often taken for granted. He took pride in every mission and never expected anything in return. ``An exceptional noncommissioned officer and a valued member of our team,'' is how he was described by Lieutenant Colonel Chris Hockenberry, Hairston's battalion commander. Sergeant First Class Hairston's qualifications included the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Military Master Free Fall Parachutist Badge, and the Army Parachutist Badge. Throughout his time in service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oakleaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation with two oakleaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with two oakleaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Iraqi Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Throughout his unwavering dedication to country, Sergeant First Class Hairston helped ensure that our constitutional rights were upheld and that our Nation was protected from harm, both here and abroad. His ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. To Sergeant First Class Hairston's loving wife Mrs. Tawana Hairston; his stepson Hayden; his parents Bernett and Josephine Hairston; his brothers Junnee Cardama, Broady Hairston, and T.J. Hairston; his entire family; and friends, my wife Vicki joins me in offering our sincerest condolences and prayers. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress and Nation, I stand here to honor Sergeant First Class Sam C. Hairston and all of those heroes we have lost. May God continue to bless them, the men and women of our United States Armed Forces, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First Congressional District of Florida's Paxton School girls basketball team for winning the Class 1A Basketball State Championship and honor the life of Coach Randy Infinger. The Paxton Lady Cats ended a spectacular season with a record of 26- 3 to clinch this year's state championship. The final game was played against Chipley High School on February 20, 2014, in Lakeland, Florida, with the Lady Cats claiming victory with a score of 39-34. Many of the exceptional plays leading up to the victory occurred in the final quarter of this tightly contested championship game. Senior Emily Murray scored a game-high 20 points on the strength of four 3-pointers, including a game-winning three pointer with just 38 seconds left on the clock. With their victory, the Lady Cats secured Paxton's fifth girls basketball state championship, moving them into fifth place on the all- time Florida girls basketball championship list. Their latest state championship marks another proud moment in the sports history of Northwest Florida high school basketball. Sadly, on February 23, 2014, four days after their extraordinary victory, the Paxton Lady Cats and the entire Paxton community were struck by tragedy when long-time Paxton Assistant Coach Randy Infinger passed away. Throughout his dedicated 25-year career at Paxton School, Mr. Infinger coached several teams and touched the hearts of countless students and teachers. His contributions to Northwest Florida and Paxton School were truly exceptional, and his legacy will not be forgotten. On behalf of the United States Congress and the citizens of Northwest Florida, I would like to honor and remember Coach Randy Infinger and congratulate players Katie Sebastian (#3), Quinn Williams (#4), Cortni McKee (#5), Faith Elmore (#11), Emily Murray (#12), Sidney Beck (#14), Genesis Long (#15), Lenora Dixon (#21), Allison Carnley (#22), Annie Myles (#23), Bethany Neale (#24), Cassidy Brazile (#25), Payton Malloy (#30), and Kristen Corbett (#45); Head Coach, Steve Williams; Assistant Coach, Kim Corbett; Bookkeeper, Laurie Gilbert; Statistician, Connor Williams; Principal Beth Tucker; Assistant Principal Mitch Jackson; and Athletic Director Steve Williams for their extraordinary victory. My wife Vicki joins me in offering our best wishes to Paxton School and its talented athletes and coaches for their continued academic and athletic success, as well as our prayers and most sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Infinger and the entire Paxton community for their tremendous loss.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate the First Congressional District of Florida's Fort Walton Beach High School Vikings for winning the Extra Large Varsity 1A Division State title at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Cheerleading State Championship on January 31, 2014. This victory marks Fort Walton Beach High School's 10th state title at the FHSAA Cheerleading State Championship. Truly an outstanding team effort put forth by all twenty-nine members, under the leadership of their talented coaches, Ms. Rachel Pritchard and Ms. Natalie Schmidt, there is no question that several performances contributed to the overall title. Even weather delays could not dampen the young men and women's motivation and concentration. When they finally took the stage in Kissimmee, the Vikings excelled at the competition. They scored 92.65 out of 100 in the preliminaries before claiming their victory in the Extra Large Varsity division and before hurrying back to Fort Walton Beach High School to cheer on the Girl's Basketball team in the District Finals. I commend the young men and women of the cheer team--Alexa Allen, Kate Blanchard, Kacie Daugherty, Ammilia Dubbs, Alexus Flores, Sidney Freeman, Alexa Gaddis, Mary Gashaw, Niki Grater, Jesi Harrell, Ashley Holz, Kristin Hyder, Justice Jones, Lindie Landinham, Tyla Lane, Natalie Lawson, Kaycee Lewis, Jamie Miglionico, Cathryn Palenske, Ashley Pullen, Jordyn Purifoy, Bailey Rathmann, Cassidy Raven, Alexus Richardson, Lauren Rigdon, Hannah Robertson, Darien Shoults, Hannah Steece, and Courtney Triplett--for both challenging themselves and setting an example for their fellow students and youth in our community. Fort Walton Beach High's victory at the Florida High School Athletic Association Cheerleading State Championship is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all the members of the team, and it is a great reflection on the entire Fort Walton Beach and greater Northwest Florida community. On behalf of the United States Congress, my wife Vicki and I congratulate the Vikings for this extraordinary accomplishment and wish them continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on August 9, 2014, Northwest Florida and our Nation lost a warrior--Colonel Robert ``Bob'' W. Gates, USAF Retired. Colonel Gates, a devoted family man and decorated veteran, honorably served as a member of the Armed Forces for over thirty years. He was a member of the Greatest Generation and served in three wars. I am humbled to rise and pay tribute to his life, his unwavering commitment to service, and his dedication to our Nation's heroes and their loved ones. Born in Bradley, South Dakota on January 23, 1919, Colonel Gates joined the Army Air Corps, prior to World War II, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in April 1942. His various tours of duty included commander of the 88th Troop Carrier Squadron, a C-47 squadron that dropped paratroopers over Normandy on D- Day; commander of the 4087th Air Transport Group, tasked with providing air supply for the Distant Early Warning Line across the Arctic; and commander of the Huron Task Force, which established the Huron radar sites on the Greenland Ice Cap. Following his command of the 6200th Material Wing at Clark AFB in the Philippines, Colonel Gates became the first commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, located in the Florida Panhandle and home to the Air Force Special Operations Command, before serving as the Inspector General for the 13th Air Force. During his distinguished career spanning three decades, Colonel Gates served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and logged over 16,000 flight hours in several aircraft, including his assignment to fly entertainer Bob Hope and crew on a USO tour around the world. Colonel Gates received a Presidential Citation from President Franklin Roosevelt and was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation medal, the French Croix-de-Guerre, and the USO Spirit of Hope Award for his lifetime contributions to the USO. Under his leadership, the 1st Special Operations Wing was bestowed the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Hurlburt Field was named the Most Improved Base in the Tactical Air Command. Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1972, Colonel Gates began a career in real estate and was integral in the construction of the Bob Hope Village, which provides home and care for Air Force widows. From 1978 to 1983, Colonel Gates served as mayor of Fort Walton Beach. He was a founder and charter member of The American Air Museum in Britain and the Air Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and was a member of various community and veterans organizations, including the Elks, Daedalians, Krewe of Bowlegs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Air Commando Association, which inducted Colonel Gates into its Hall of Fame. To many, Colonel Gates will be remembered for his devotion to his country and community, and to his family and friends, a loving family man with a great sense of humor. Without question, Colonel Gates lived a life full of service and has earned our Nation's highest respect and gratitude. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a privilege for me to honor Colonel Robert W. Gates' lifetime of service. My wife Vicki and I extend our prayers and sincere condolences to his children--Robert, Bill, Michael, Kimberly, and Kathleen; ten grandchildren-Paula, Robert W. Gates III, Steve, Matthew, Sarah, Mary Kathryn, Peyton, Austin, Trevor, and Kendall; ten great-grandchildren; his loyal companion, Lucky, his rescued dog; and the entire Gates family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Cooperative Extension Services. IFAS is a highly successful federal-state-county partnership that has helped support Florida's farmers and agricultural industry for more than 100 years. IFAS Extension was born from two important laws, the Morrill Act of 1862, which created Land-Grant universities throughout the country including the University of Florida, and the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which established the Cooperative Extension Service as a partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Land-Grant universities, jointly administered with state extension agents, and local county officials. In its early history, IFAS Extension was focused on increasing agricultural production and improving the lives of rural residents by tapping the latest information from the world class research being done at the University of Florida and Florida A&M University and converting it into practical knowledge that Floridians could use to improve agricultural techniques and home economics. These core extension services have helped serve millions of Floridians, and today IFAS operates 1,249 buildings, 3,622,462 gross square feet and 27,279 acres with locations in all 67 counties. Thanks to these efforts, the value-added contribution of IFAS Extension add more than $100 billion to the state economy. In addition to the core agricultural support programs, IFAS also contributes greatly to the development of Florida's youth through the 4-H program. The 4-H youth development programs began in 1909 with ``corn clubs'' for young men, which showed Florida's youth how to prepare and plant their fields with hybrid corn seed. Cash prizes were awarded to those who produced the most corn, with additional prizes for youth whose crops out-produced their parents. Two years later, in 1911, tomato clubs were established for young women to plant, harvest and can tomatoes. When the IFAS Extension Service was established in 1915, it took over administration of the clubs, and in 1924, the various clubs were officially recognized as 4-H Clubs. As a former 4-H participant, I can attest to the incredible leadership and educational opportunities that 4-H provides to Florida's youth. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Cooperative Extension Services. Agriculture is a vital component of Florida's history and economic success, and I join Floridians in appreciation of the first-class work and effort that IFAS provides to support our state.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate the First Congressional District of Florida's Choctawhatchee Senior High School Indians for winning the 1A Small Co-ed Division State title at the Florida High School Athletic Association Cheerleading State Championship on January 31, 2014 for the third year in a row. Located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Choctawhatchee High School boasts an exceptional cheer squad, led by coaches Shaunice Clay and Hailey Looney. During the preliminaries, the squad ranked 1st out of a total of fourteen squads before claiming victory over Harmony High School and Gulf Breeze High School. I commend the following young men and women of the squad for both challenging themselves and inspiring their fellow students and youth throughout our community: Jenna Angelos, Jean Bernier, Megan Bradley, Loren Burkett, Olivia Carr, Kacey Childers, Dani Connelly, Alexia Faustinella, Shayla Fish, Tiffany Fought, Zach Given, Anna Greene, Rielly Griggs, Holly King, Kerri Kriech, Amy LeMenager, Rachel Loughney, CJ McDonald, Emily McGaughy, Johnny Mundy, Temple Nichols, Ashley Oliver, Sydney Pattison, Allison Plantz, Storme Rynearson, Emory Shelton, Olivia Sims, Tristin Stevens, Mark Thomas Walker, Shane Wright, and Rachelle Wyatt. Choctawhatchee Senior High School's victory at the Florida High School Athletic Association Cheerleading State Championship is a true testament to the commitment and dedication of all the members of the squad, and it is a great reflection on Fort Walton Beach and the greater Northwest Florida community. On behalf of the United States Congress, my wife Vicki and I congratulate the Indians for their extraordinary victory and wish them all the best for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Escambia High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) for placing first in this year's Navy League NJROTC drill team competition. This outstanding achievement is evidence of the hard work and dedication of the Escambia High NJROTC program. After a year of three to four hour long practices after school, a combined 15,000 hours of community service required to satisfy NJROTC standards, and months of local and regional competitions, the ``Gator Elite,'' as they're known, beat out more than 600 other NJROTC programs to achieve the highest honor and bring this prestigious recognition back to Northwest Florida. In addition to the normal academic coursework, the members of Escambia High's NJROTC program were required to comply with rigorous procedures to maintain discipline through uniform inspections and strict grooming standards, while also mastering the core components of drill team exercises, through marching practice and adroit handling of rifles in showmanship fashion. The ``Gator Elite'' achieved these tasks with the highest degree of excellence, as evidenced by their first place performance at the NJROTC national championships. On behalf of the United States Congress, it is my privilege to congratulate the Escambia High NJROTC ``Gator Elite''--Corey Abercrombie, Joshua Aguilar, Alexander Apin, Nigel Archer-Shee, Alexis Cannon, Michael Cox, Faith Doby, Audrey Ferrand, Emerrald Francis, Julia Freeman, Ruben Gardner Jr., Christopher Gibson, Cassandra Harrison, Katelin Hayes, Daniel Helms, Thalezondra Hill-Dowdy, Matthew Holmes, Brenda Jernigan, JoseRafael Kaibigan, Angelique Le, Jared Lyon, Jason Mitchell, Andrew Nicolle, Austin Odell, Jeremiah Renfro, Destiny Seladones, Jimmie Simmons, Alfonso Sosa, Antonio Stone, Brian Thompson, Kenny Tu, Alphonso Williams, Erik Williams, Nicholas Willig, Alex Wilson and Brieonna Wilson and their instructors, LCDR Eddie Thompson (USN, Ret.), SCPO Ruben Gardner (USN, Ret.), and SGTMAJ Andre Francis (USMC, Ret.). My wife Vicki joins me in wishing them all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First Congressional District of Florida's Paxton School girls basketball team for winning the Class 1A Basketball State Championship and to honor the life of Coach Randy Infinger. The Paxton Lady Cats ended a spectacular season with a record of 26-3 to clinch this year's state championship. The final game was played against Chipley High School on February 20, 2014, in Lakeland, Florida, with the Lady Cats claiming victory with a score of 39-34. Many of the exceptional plays leading up to the victory occurred in the final quarter of this tightly contested championship game. Senior Emily Murray scored a game-high 20 points on the strength of four 3-pointers, including a game-winning 3 pointer with just 38 seconds left on the clock. With their victory, the Lady Cats secured Paxton's fifth girls basketball state championship, moving them into fifth place on the all- time Florida girls basketball championship list. Their latest state championship marks another proud moment in the sports history of Northwest Florida high school basketball. Sadly, on February 23, 2014, four days after their extraordinary victory, the Paxton Lady Cats and the entire Paxton community were struck by tragedy when long-time Paxton Assistant Coach Randy Infinger passed away. Throughout his dedicated 25-year career at Paxton School, Mr. Infinger coached several teams and touched the hearts of countless students and teachers. His contributions to Northwest Florida and Paxton School were truly exceptional, and his legacy will not be forgotten. On behalf of the United States Congress and the citizens of Northwest Florida, I would like to honor and remember Coach Randy Infinger and congratulate players Katie Sebastian (#3), Quinn Williams (#4), Cortni McKee (#5), Faith Elmore (#11), Emily Murray (#12), Sidney Beck (#14), Genesis Long (#15), Lenora Dixon (#21), Allison Carnley (#22), Annie Myles (#23), Bethany Neale (#24), Cassidy Brazile (#25), and Kristen Corbett (#45); Head Coach, Steve Williams; Assistant Coach, Kim Corbett; Bookkeeper, Laurie Gilbert; Statistician, Connor Williams; Principal, Beth Tucker; Assistant Principal, Mitch Jackson; and Athletic Director, Steve Williams for their extraordinary victory. My wife Vicki joins me in offering our best wishes to Paxton School and its talented athletes and coaches for their continued academic and athletic success, as well as our prayers and most sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Infinger and the entire Paxton community for their tremendous loss.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Benishek), a former physician within the VA system.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), a member of the conference committee.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the conference report on the bill (H.R. 3230) making continuing appropriations during a government shutdown to provide pay and allowances to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who perform inactive-duty training during such period.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of the conference report to accompany H.R. 3230, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014. General Omar Bradley, the former administrator of what is now the Department of Veterans Affairs, once said of our work, ``We are dealing with veterans, not procedures--with their problems, not ours.'' We have come face-to-face with the problems our veterans routinely encounter, and they are considerable to say the least. As every American now knows, congressional oversight and whistleblower revelations have exposed widespread corruption and systemic delays in access and failures of accountability across our Nation's second largest bureaucracy. Thousands of veterans across this country have been left to wait-- some for years; some in pain; and, most disturbingly, some in caskets that are draped with American flags; some while chronic or fatal conditions worsened until little hope was left--for the health care they earned through their honorable service to our Nation. Meanwhile, poor-performing VA leaders and employees continued to receive large bonuses, subject to little accountability for their many inadequacies. There is no doubt, Mr. Speaker, that the Department of Veterans Affairs, as we know it today, is in crisis, and as a result, our veterans are suffering. The conference report we are considering this afternoon is the first step to alleviating their pain and for paving the way for the failing VA health care system to experience much-needed structural and cultural reform. To immediately improve access to care for veteran patients, the conference report would require the VA to authorize non-VA care to any eligible veteran who is unable to secure a timely appointment at a VA facility or who resides more than 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility, with certain exceptions. Eligible veterans would include those who are enrolled in the VA health care system as of August 1 of 2014 or who are newly-discharged combat veterans. It would further require the VA to issue a veterans choice card to eligible veterans to facilitate care provided by non-VA providers and provide $10 billion for the newly-established veterans choice fund to cover the costs of access to non-VA care under this bill. To lead the way for true reform in the long term, the conference report would require a comprehensive assessment of VA care by an expert independent entity or entities and would establish a congressional commission on care, which would be charged with setting the future course for access to and quality care throughout the entire VA health care system. To improve the VA's internal capacity to provide timely and high- quality care to our veterans, this report would also provide the Department with $5 billion to hire physicians and other clinical staff and would provide for certain critical physical infrastructure improvements. The conference report would also extend the VA's rural health care- focused project, ARCH--a pilot program--for an additional 2 years. It would extend the pilot program for an additional 3 years to provide rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration services to veterans with traumatic brain injury. It would authorize 27 medical facility leases across 18 States and Puerto Rico and make certain improvements to care provided to veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma and others. To advance genuine accountability for incompetent or corrupt senior managers, the conference report would reduce funding for bonuses available to VA employees by $40 million each year through fiscal year 2024, and it would authorize the Secretary to fire or demote Senior Executive Service employees and title 38 SES equivalent employees for poor performance or misconduct. Poor-performing employees who are disciplined under this authority would be provided an expedited and limited appeal process, but would be prohibited from receiving their pay, bonuses, or benefits during the appeal process. This provision will give the Secretary the tools he needs to expeditiously hold senior managers accountable for the types of willful misconduct and possibly criminal negligence we have seen during our investigations. The conference report would also require public colleges to provide instate tuition to veterans and eligible dependents for the school to remain eligible to receive GI Bill education payments. This provision closely mirrors the bill that I offered, H.R. 357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act, which passed the House earlier this year. The men and women who served this Nation did not just defend the citizens of their home States; they defended the entire United States of America. The conference report would also include approximately $5 billion in offsets with additional incidental offsets expected to accrue over time as a result of increased third-party collections for nonservice- connected conditions and reductions in Medicare payments as a result of the increased utilization of the newly-created choice program. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us is one that I am proud of, but more importantly, it is one that I believe our Nation's veterans can be proud of. It is not a blank check for a broken system, but it is an important first step down a long road toward true transformation. However, our work is far from over. We all know that congressional oversight was crucial to bringing the failures at the VA to light, and it will increase in the days and weeks and months ahead after the passage of this bill. The passage of this conference report will increase access to care and improve accountability within a desperately broken bureaucracy. However, the reform that is necessary to reforming the agency will require dedication for years to come, and I would ask all of my colleagues to join me in beginning that effort today. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Huelskamp).

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the vice chairman of the full committee and a member of the conference committee.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe), a veteran, a physician, and also a member of the conference committee.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a concurrent resolution and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the concurrent resolution just adopted.